Social dance is a major category or classification of danceforms or dance styles, where sociability and socializing are the primary focuses of the dancing. Social dances can be danced with a variety of partners and still be led and followed in a relaxed, easy atmosphere.
This compares to other major categories based on purpose:
- Ceremonial dance
- Competitive dance
- Erotic dance
- Participation dance
- Performance dance
Many social dances are partner dances. In fact, quite often when spoken about social dances, ballroom or other partner dances are kept in mind. However it is natural to include in this category such groups of dances as circle dances, line dances, novelty dances, or simply club dancing in solo.
- Ballroom dance
- Club dance
- Contra dance
- Country and Western dance
- English country dance
- Folk dance (or Ethnic dance)
- House dance
- Scottish country dance
- Irish and Scottish Céilidh
- Square dance
- Street dance
- Swing dance
- Tango
- Tarantella
There may be aspects of any of the above dance forms that are either competitive or performance-oriented in nature.
Famous quotes containing the words social and/or dance:
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—Aleister Crowley (1875–1947)
“Mr. Lincoln at least you’re a man of honor. You said you wanted to dance with me in the worst way, and I must say that you’ve kept your word. That’s the worst way I’ve ever seen.”
—Lamar Trotti (1898–1952)